Putting hands in water

[VulcanNinja]

Newbie Question: Phase V

Ok, we all occasionally have to put our hands in the water, right? They do it at the LFS. And if we are putting plants in, etc.

So - here's my question. Does anyone here "pet" their fish when their hand happens to be in the tank? Is this not a good idea? Will we contaminate them?

 

[sunflower]

It's not really a good idea as fish have a protective slime over their bodies and if we disturb that then they'll become more susceptable prone to infections etc. If you do it accidentally, then it might be a good idea to add some slime coat or something to your water.

 

[Yano]

If you pet them you could remove their slime coat, so it would not be such a great idea.

 

[Jen]

I pet mine... well, more like, they pet me. they come up to me and swim between my fingers. IMO, if your hands are clean (no lotions, creams or soaps on them) your ok. From what I have heard, if your hands are wet, you wont take off their slime coat... dry hands will. Not 100% about that, so don't go just by me.

 

[Yano]

Wet hands will be less damaging I think, thats why if a fish jumps out its a good idea to wet your hands first before you grab it.

 

[rykitten]

My fish like to be touched. I don't do it that often, maybe once or twice a week when I feed bloodworms. They always nibble on my fingers and I can't resist giving them a pet or 2.

 

[Yano]

When I had mollies, they loved to nibble my had. My clownfish though does not want my hand in the tank, he bites the skin between my fingers. OW

 

[Bomag]

i pet my red tail catfish all the time he loves it he comes up for a stroke and then grabs his food and goes back down again.

 

[StrontiumDog]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm good question.

I used to do a lot of course fishing years back and yes to handle fish wet hands are the best. As to it remove there protective coat yes it does but this grows back ( or what ever it does ). Add slimm coat mmmmmmmmm more chemicals going in the tank not sure i agree with that, but saying that never used the stuff so i can't preach.

i had many years ago some carp in a 2ft tank ( with the knowlege that they would need a pond eventually ) they grew that quick i never had a net big enuoght to move them when i needed to....... but saying that, because i used to pet them i could lift them out of the tank with my hand, and no they didn't struggle and try to get away because they trusted me.

i never had a problem with the natural slime on there bodies they did just fine

 

[karrihug]

i don't actually pet, but when i change the water in my 55, or plant maintenance or for whatever reason my hand is in there, most of the fish are fighting for position to nibble me(otos really feel funny). and when i need to catch one of them for whatever reason, they will run from the net, but will let me pick them up. i always add a little stress coat after.

 

[VulcanNinja]

Do fish really respond to owners like pets? Do they eventually trust you and "miss" you when you are gone?

 

[Fiddlesticks]

My red devil used to come up and swim around my hand. Then he would nibble on my finger if I stuck it out. And my big angel will let me pet her, but none of the other fish I have right now are very fond of cuddles. They swim away before I have time to blink.lol Mindy you they are pretty new to me so they might like them one day. Iv had my big angel for about 4 years, and she loves cuddles. caneochic is right though make sure there is no cream, soap ect. on your hands.

 

[SailfinGirl]

How do you get them to do it? I don't really put my hands in the water much, so I was wondering how you get them used to you. Obv. with food.

 

[rvm]

In one of my tanks, all the fish including the Clown Loaches will come and nibble me, hand feed and let me touch them. I don't really do it often, and it's more them touching me than the other way round, but it doesn't seem to harm them.
My other tank, the fish are all wussies and run for cover as soon as I enter the room!! Maybe cos they're newer. Give 'em time eh??!!!!!

 

[noelberg]

Do fish really respond to owners like pets? Do they eventually trust you and "miss" you when you are gone?

My bettas definitely know that i am the food provider and get extremely excited when i come up to the tank. they also like to put on flaring shows for me when I get home from work.

I also know from other people that oscars and some other large cichlids will interact with owners and let themselves be petted.

some small fish like tetras may never "trust" you or anybody because they're naturally programmed to flee from anything, or else be eaten. they might come up to your hand to eat bloodworms, etc